New York's attorney general Eric Schneiderman just announced legislation that would protect no-copay contraception access in the state. The Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act would require all New York-governed insurance providers to cover the costs of FDA-approved contraceptives. These include: the Pill, IUDs, male contraceptives, and emergency pills like Plan B—among others. The act would also let residents access a full year's worth of birth control at any time.

Schneiderman's push is a response to recent moves by the Republican-controlled congress to overturn the Affordable Care Act (also known as the ACA or Obamacare). The Senate took its first step toward dismantling the ACA this week—and struck down a specific amendment that would require insurance providers to cover contraception costs. (Learn more about that here.)

"New Yorkers have a right to comprehensive, cost-free access to birth control," Schneiderman said in a statement. "With the Affordable Care Act under attack in Washington, it’s all the more critical that New York act now to protect these rights...[This bill] will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the birth control method they need to stay healthy and effectively plan for their future—no matter what happens in Congress.” A few states—like California and Illinois—have already passed similar legislation. And after the recent Senate actions, Colorado and Minnesota are drafting bills of their own, as well.

The Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act needs to pass both the New York State Assembly and the New York Senate before it can go to governor Andrew Cuomo, who can ultimately sign it into law.